Chefs Chinese Food

I've lived in El Cerrito for quite some time and I also knew about Chef's Chinese Food being a to-go gem in the Plaza buttttt had no idea they did indoor dining with a full and extensive menu! Heading to Trader Joe's with the baby, we peaked inside just to see what the options were to-go and noticed a few people sitting for early dinner. My husband and I were both equally surprised and thought, why not try it! There was a woman hand rolling fresh egg rolls, and the staff was so kind to us/the babe. He was quite the hit!We ordered potstickers, honey sesame chicken, garlic string beans, and BBQ pork chow mein. Solid all around! The potstickers were juicy, honey sesame chicken (what seems to be a popular entrée here) was filled with chicken breast meat/lightly breaded and fried in a semi-sweet sauce, the garlic string beans were fresh and crisp (such a great value for the mound of greens), and the bbq pork chow mein was an instant classic. We're a family that loves our noodles and this was a standout favorite. Affordability, friendly service, plenty of parking in the shopping center, ability to knock a few other errands off your list being so close to grocery/pet/retail stores, and overall quality food tucked away in a small yet gracious spot. Looking forward to coming back to try their lunch specials and of course, pork buns!

I happened to make a stop by this restaurant yesterday morning around 11:40am during my washing at the laundry mat up the plaza, the moment I walked in i greeted the girl behind the window and asked which chickens were available, after the question was asked another older asian woman said something in Chinese and took over with the other girl getting more food to put In the trays.I then asked the older woman the same question she ignores me so I look at her and ask the question again more Stern, she asked did I want an entree or a side, I mentioned to the previous woman I wanted an entree soo answered again. At this point we're at the register and the total was 11.50 I pay with a twenty and of course she has to look at it my self and then into the light as I looking dead at her, now where I come from thats not typical behavior this is el Cerrito plaza when was the last time someone got over a hot $20 these parts don't have to do that. I then made the joke would Yu like to go into business since Yu think I'm passing. Fake bills.?! Zero explanation nor apology which prompted me to demand my money back and write this review. It's bad ive been coming here since I was in high school I won't be back and I encourage others to think twice and consider Huong tra viet or Uncle Wongs Chinese as an alternative.

Chef's has reopened for indoor dining! I learned that from Lori, who seems to know everything. Nina and I had lunch here today. The interior is largely unchanged and looks and feels just as it did before, aside from a neko cat inspired split curtain screening off the bathrooms. No need to change anything else. I remembered to bring my reading glasses to be sure I could read the menu. Our server was Denise and she was wonderful, warm, attentive and helpful.I ordered salt and pepper prawns, which I have been hankering for. Nina ordered a chicken dish w/ vegetables. I can't remember the exact name. The lunch special came w/ a choice of soups and I had just been telling Nina about how wonderful their hot and sour soup was, so we both chose that, as well as salad. The main came w/ a choice of white rice, bbq chicken fried rice or chow mein. We both were interested in brown rice, which they used to offer but Denise didn't think it was offered anymore because it wasn't ordered enough, which makes sense. We commiserated about that, since we all like brown rice.When the soup came it was wonderful. Nina and I both loved it. The salad came next and it was different than I remember, the dressing lighter. I liked it a lot. The salt and pepper prawns were as wonderful as ever and the fried rice was very good, the bbq chicken looking and tasting like bbq pork. I cleaned my plate and enjoyed everything. Nina took home some leftovers, as she has to watch her salt intake and it tasted salty to her. I think she said it had oyster sauce in it. This way she can spread it out. Denise carefully boxed it up for her. Alan and I used to eat here regularly and it's so nice to be able to do so again, although I know I will still call in for takeout too.

I only found out about this place recently and ive lived in Richmond for over 4 years now. Its tucked away next to Trader Joes. Its hard to find good Chinese spots these days with good quality food and good service on top of that. This place exceeded my expectations. Our server Jessie was the greatest. Always checked on us and made sure we were good. We ordered quite a few items and all came out in good time. Food was really good. My favorite had to be the honey walnut shrimp and the mongolian beef. Prices were fair as well. They have dine in area but also a take out line separately which i think is nice. I will definitely be coming back!

Solid Cantonese plate lunches and takeout. Honey sesame chicken and broccoli beef move fast as does the chicken wings and the fried fish. You choose one, two, or three entree selections with noodles or fried rice per takeout box. The steam table is replenished quickly and fresh food disappears just as swiftly. Recently, they opened the eat-in section. Many-a-Cal student take a break for a meal. Polite and brisk cashiers are no-nonsense.

The chowmein is one of the better ones I've had in the past year of the takeout -- easily the best in terms of sear/ wokhei -- with a good sear aroma on the chicken, and a decent sear on the noodles itself. Definitely miles ahead of all those saucy wet lo-meins trying to pull off a "chowmein" on me. The texture of the noodles itself is decent but nothing to write home about -- it's no handmade noodles, but it's no worse than most others anyway.The wonton soup was pretty delicious with a flavourful savory chicken broth and, in my opinion, tons of pork wontons -- there were ten of them; I'm used to receiving little more than half of that. The veggies in the soup rounded out the flavors and nutrition of the soup as a whole.I think people compare it to a Panda Express, but I loved what I had and the wok hei of the chowmein cannot be denied!

Over years I didn't find place better then this one . and it has been 15 years to be exact .Still going all the way from Sacramento just to get their Chinese honey chicken :). Love it guys, great service! Keep it up for many more years.

Food is delicious and affordable. Services is great and restaurant clean. My day and her grandmother are regulars and recently introduced me to it.

False advertising. They showed $16.95 for asparagus shrimp but charged me $17.95. I mentioned to the Asian lady but she said I don't know, it's the computer, nobody changed the sign board, in a ride tone. Other than that, the Hispanic girl was nice who served the food and almost everyone else was nice, except the cashier. It would be better to apologize and offer a refund and to talk to the manager.

Let me preface by saying I've been going to chefs for 20 years. The food is delicious and affordable. However the workers will treat you differently based on your ethnicity. Workers consistently skimp black customers, while giving more food to white and nonblack customers. It's offensively noticeable, and I have personally seen this gross inconsistency lead to COUNTLESS arguments between their black customers and the workers. Today was yet again another day in which I stood in line listening to black customers feel mistreated, asking amongst themselves why their containers look different than their white counterparts. They have no shame here.